Commitment to Conservation: Clif Bar’s Support of the Indiana Tree Project
Each spring we look forward to spending time outdoors and growing Indiana’s forests as part of the Indiana Tree Project. Along with our dedicated partners in the Division of Forestry, we recently joined Clif Bar at Greene-Sullivan State Forest to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day by planting 2,500 trees.
Clif Bar forged a strong relationship with the INRF and the Division of Forestry in 2019. Since then, the company’s unwavering commitment has yielded five planting days, 20,000 new trees, and many hours of volunteering on Indiana’s public lands.
“Our relationship with Clif Bar is a great example of how long-term partnerships with our foundation benefit Indiana’s public lands,” said Jody Kress, INRF executive director. “We appreciate their generosity and commitment to making Indiana a better place to live, work, and play.”
Volunteers started their day in a familiar place as they returned near the site of last fall’s planting. With buckets of oak seedlings, the group dispersed across the planting site. Many of the Clif Bar volunteers have supported the Indiana Tree Project in the past and made quick work of expanding the sprawling plot of seedlings.
A pair of Clif Bar volunteers plant oak seedlings.
Oaks are an important species in Indiana. As the forest grows, the young trees will provide habitat and forage for many wildlife species. Mature oak trees play a role in improving air, soil, and water quality while sequestering large amounts of carbon.
“The Indiana Tree Project events are consistently some of the highest rated community service events we hold, and our team looks forward to each available opportunity,” said Jeremiah Caplinger, environmental health safety and sustainability manager at Clif Bar. “We look forward to the potential for future events in the coming years and are grateful for our partnership with the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation.”
After a warm lunch, the volunteers took a short guided hike as property manager Steve Siscoe taught them about the distinct history of the state forest as a former strip-mining location and its many species of trees and wildlife.
Known for its many lakes and great fishing opportunities alongside sprawling woodland, Greene-Sullivan is a destination Indiana DNR property. The trees planted by the volunteers will continue to support the many types of outdoor recreation it provides for years to come.
Volunteers enjoy a hike around Reservoir 26.
“The INRF and Forestry staff added in the post-planting hike where the team gets to learn more about our forests and ecosystem,” Caplinger said. “These hikes have allowed some of our team members to have experiences in nature they previously had never been able to experience.”
When a new tree is planted it requires the proper conditions to thrive. Similarly, conservation projects require the right conditions, created through commitment and dedication, to succeed. The Indiana Tree Project is just one of our programs that has benefited from the passion and dedication of partners, donors, and Indiana DNR staff.
Your support is essential in helping us celebrate and preserve Indiana’s natural legacy. Every donation to the INRF goes a long way in supporting land acquisition, conservation efforts, and outdoor education and recreation.